Adjustable manhole frame



March 29, 1960 N. c. HALE 2,930,295

. ADJUSTABLE MANHOLE FRAME Filed Nov. 7, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet 1 ll l2INVENIOR NATHAN C. HALE BY /W Fm ATTORNEY S March 29, l960 N. c. HALEADJUSTABLE MANHOLE FRAME 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 7, 1957 Neyl Gyudqlll I INVENTOR NATHAN c. HALE ATTORNEYS March 29, 1960 N. c. HALEADJUSTABLE MANHOLE FRAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 7, 1957 a W F a 4 44 1 3 W w. H a z r a s INVENIOR NATHAN C. HALE ATTORNEYS ADJUSTABLEMANHOLE FRAME 7 Nathan C. Hale, Falls Church,-Va.

, App'lication November 7, 1957, Serial No. 695,000

12 Claims. (CI. 94-34) This invention relates generally to manholesutilized for access purposes to underground utility lines and sewers andmore particularly to adjustable manhole frames mounted at the surfaceend of such manholes.

In the periodic resurfacing of streets and highways wherein additionalpaving material, to the extent of an inch or more thickness is added tothe existing surface, it becomes necessary to cut free the many manholeframes from their engagement with the original paving material in orderthat they may be reinstalled at a greater elevation to be flush with thenew paving surface. This is not only an objectionable problem tomotorists using the roads, but is an expensive undertaking for the localgovernment involved. Therefore, it becomes desirable that manholeframes, when installed in roadways, be adjustable to allow for thisperiodic resurfacing, and thereby avoid the necessity of digging outeach frame.

Numerous patents have been granted on adjustable manhole frames, but theutilization of the concepts presented therein has apparently been verysparse for one reason or another.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide animproved adjustable manhole frame.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide an improvedadjustable manhole frame which-may be' readily adjusted by the use of awrench.

Another object of this inventionis to provide a manhole frame which maybe adjusted upwardly or downwardlyin an installed position in a roadwaywithout disturbing the material of the roadway. -A further object ofthis invention is to provide an improved manhole frame which includes aplurality of threaded bolts, the adjustment of which will raise or lowerthe frame in its installed position in a roadway without disturbing thematerial of the roadway.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved adjustablemanhole frame which lends itself to mass production with the attendanteconomies thereof.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention resides inthe following specification and appended claims, certain embodiments anddetails of construction of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Figure l is a plan view of the preferred form of the inventionillustrating the manhole frame, with the cover therefor, being cut away;

Figure 2 is a sectioned view in side elevation taken along the lines 2-2of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectioned view in side elevation of a modified form of themanhole frame comprising the invention;.

Figure 4 is a partial top plan view of the manhole frame of Figure 3,with the covercut away;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of another modified form of the manholeframe comprising the invention, with the cover partly cut away;

United Stat s Pa 2,930,295 Patented Mar. 29, 1960 Figure 6 is asectioned view on an enlarged scale of the manhole frame, according toFigure 5;

Figure 7 is a partial view in side section of still another form ofmanhole frame comprising the invention;

Figure 8 is a partial plan view of the invention taken along the lines8-8 of Figure 7.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, in Figure 1, a bearingring 10 is illustrated as being sup* ported on a layer of grouting 11atop the concrete road base material. The ring 10 is of substantiallythe same diameter as the manhole 13 defined by the road base material12. The ring 10 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with aplurality of bearing pockets 14 to receive and position the ends of alike number of threaded bolts 15. Each bolt 15 is threaded through thebottom of an integrally formed pocket or compartment 16, a plurality ofsuch pockets being provided in the manhole frame 17.

The manhole frame 17 comprises a pair of concentric walls 18 and 19,bridged by the transverse wall 20. The wall 20 is positioned a suitabledistance below the top edge 21 of wall 19 and is thereby adaptable toreceiving and supporting a manhole cover 22. The wall 20 isdiscontinuous in form at each compartment 16 of the frame 17 in orderthat access to the bolts 15 may be had for adjustment purposes. When thecover 22 is seated on the wall 20 of frame 17 the compartments 16 arecovered and the bolts 15 are protected from the weather. Thecompartments 16 are preferably filled with a heavy grease or otherlubricant to protect them against corrosion. The inner wall 18 of frame17 is provided with a depending centering skirt 18.

Surrounding the frame 17 and the ring 10 is a metal sheath 23. Thesheath 23 is utilized for two reasons. In original installation itprevents egress of concrete to the area between the ring 10 and theframe 17. Later, when an adjustment of the frame 17 is required, theinner surface of the sheath 23 acts as a bearing surface for the outerwall 19 of the frame 17 and permits the adjustment of the frame withless torque on the bolts 15. While the adjustment of the frame could beobtained without the sheath 23, that is with the wall 19 engagingconcrete, considerably more frictional forces would be present, therebyrequiring greater torque on bolts 15 to free and adjust the frame.

In operation, when a road is about to be resurfaced, the frame 17 isreadily adjustable. It is merely necessary to remove the manhole cover22 and apply a wrench to each bolt 15, threading them inwardly againstthe bearing ring 10. The resulting reactive force will cause the frame17 to be raised upwardly within the sheath 23 so that the top'edge 21 ofwall 19 will move from the exist ing grade level of the road to the newgrade level as indicated in dottedlines in Figure 2. It is obvious thatthis adjustment is possible without necessitating the cutting of theconcreteor other material of the basic road surrounding the sheath 23and frame 17.

Referring now to the modified form of the invention of Figures 3 and 4,it will be observed that a manhole frame 23 is provided including anouter cylindrical wall 25 and a concentric inner wall 26 bridged alongtheir top edges by a discontinuous wall 27. The wall 27 is discontinuedat spaced points to provide access to integrally formed com- 36 whichare supported on suitable ledges 37 in the' pockets 28. The inner wall26 is provided with an inwardly directed ledge 38 upon which issupported a man hole cover 39. The frame 24 and ring 32 are encased in ametal sheath 40 which is utilized for the same reasons as in thepreferred embodiment. In this form, as in the preferred form, thepockets 28 which are integrally cast with the bottom wall 29, front andback wall 41 and 42 respectively, and side wall formed by portions ofthe inner and outer cylindrical walls 25 and 26, are preferably filledwith a lubricant to prevent corrosion of the bolts 30.

The operation of the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 3 and4 is similar to that for the preferred form except that it isunnecessary to remove the manhole cover 39. The pocket covers 36 areremoved by inserting a suitable tool through holes 43 and lifting thesaid covers from their supporting ledges 37. A suitable wrench may bethen utilized to turn each bolt 30 sufficiently against the bearing ring32 to force the frame 24 upwardly to the indicated dotted line position,or from the existing grade level to the new grade level.

Referring now to the form of the invention illustrated in Figures and 6,it will be observed that a manhole 44 is defined by the road basematerial 45. Surrounding the manhole 44 at the upper edge thereof is abearing ring 46 provided with bolt end receiving compartments or pockets47. The ring 46 is supported on a layer 48 of suitable grouting as inthe other forms of the invention. A cylindrical manhole frame 49 ispositioned directly over the bearing ring 46. The frame 49 includes anouter wall 50 with an inwardly directed ledge 51 which provides a sealfor the usual manhole cover 52. At the lower extremity of wall 50, theframe 49 is provided with an integral inwardly directed wall 53.Upstanding from the wall 53 is a plurality of pockets 54, each beingformed by an interior wall 55, side walls 56 and 57, and the innersurface of frame wall 50. These pockets are included by preference as inthe other forms of the invention for the purpose of holding a lubricant.The frame bottom wall 53 is tapped within the confines of each pocket 54to threadably receive therethrough an adjustment bolt 58. A metal sheath59 encompasses the frame 49 and ring 46 for the same purposes asdiscussed relative to the prior forms of the invention above.

The operation of the invention, according to Figures 5 and 6, is similarto the operation of the previous two forms above. The manhole cover 52is removed. Each bolt 58 is then threaded further through the wall 53 togain a reactive force against the bearing ring pocket 47 to force themanhole frame 49 upwardly'from the existing grade level to the new gradelevel as indicated in dotted lines.

Conditions of roadways may, in some cases, require a lowering of amanhole frame. A form of the invention which is adaptable to thislowering requirement, as well as raising requirement, is illustrated inFigures 7 and 8. A manhole frame 60 includes an outer cylindrical wall61, a concentric inner wall 62, a bridging wall (not shown) similar tothe wall 20 of Figure 2, andia bottom wall 63 which, in each case, formsthe bottom of a plurality of spaced pockets 64. Each wall 63 is tappedto receive therethrough a threaded adjustment bolt 65. The end of thebolt below the wall 63 is not threaded but is provided with a continuousgroove 66 in which is seated a split washer 67. The bolts 65, in thisform, are threaded upwardly through wall 63 into pockets 64 at theinitial installation. A bearing ring 68 surrounds, and is supported on,the top edge of a manhole 69 defined by the road base material 70, and alayer of grouting 71 is provided between the ring 68 and road basematerial 70. The ring 68 is provided with an elongated recess 72 toreceive the washer end of each bolt 65. Each recess (only one shown) hasan unrestricted portion 73 to freely receive the washer 67. and arestricted portion 74 including inw wardly directed flanges 75 and 76.Thus, upon installation, the bolts 65 will, first be aligned withportions 73 of the recess 72. Then the frame 60 is turned sufficientlyto cause the washers 67 to move under fianges 75 and 76 and be confinedthereby.

The ring 68 is further provided with a plurality of recesses 77 (onlyone shown). Extending into each recess 77 is the upper threaded end ofan anchor bolt 78 which is embedded in the road base material 70. A nut79 is applied to the end of bolt 78 and the ring 68 is thus held downsecurely on the road base material 70. A metal sheath 80 encompasses theframe 60 and the ring 68.

The operation of the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 7 and8 is similar to the other previously discussed forms. The manhole cover81 is removed and a wrench is used to turn the bolts 65. When it isdesired to raise the frame 60, the bolts 65 are turned inwardly bearingagainst the bottoms of the pockets 72 to gain the reactive force to movethe frame upwardly. When it is desired to lower the frame 60, the bolts65 are turned outwardly. The washers 67, engaging under flanges 75 and76 of pockets 72, will prevent the bolts from moving upwardly and hencethe frame 60 will be moved downwardly.

The forms of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 may obviouslybe equipped with bearing rings similar to ring 68 where upward ordownward adjustments of the manhole frame may be desired. The manholeframe, the bearing ring, the outer sheath and the other associated partsconstitute a manhole assembly or unit in each of the various formsillustrated for cooperative use in connection with access openings inpavements.

It is obvious that the various manhole frames herein described may beinstalled without utilizing a bearing ring. In such case, the bolt endswould bear directly on the road base material. However, it is preferableto utilize a bearing ring which the bolts may engage.

It is realized that the invention may take many forms other than thoseillustrated, and it is intended that all obvious forms, which would besubstantial equivalents, are within the purview of the inventor andwithin the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frame,said frame including a plurality of integral compartments each with atapped bottom wall, and a threaded bolt extending through said tappedbottom wall of each compartment for engagement with the base material ofthe road.

2. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frame,said frame including a plurality of integral compartments each with atapped bottom wall, a threaded bolt having one end extending throughsaid tapped bottom wall of each compartment, and a bearing ringsupported on the road base material and receiving the ends of said boltsin hearing engagement.

3. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical -metal frame,said frame including a plurality of integral compartments each with atapped bottom wall, a threaded bolt extending through said tapped bottomwall of each compartment for engagement with the base material of theroad, and a metal bearing sheath engaging and surrounding said frame topermit sliding movement of the frame therein.

4. An adjustable manhole unit supported on a road base material aboutthe upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frame, saidframe including a plurality of integral compartments each with a tappedbottom wall, a threaded bolt having one end extending through saidtapped bottom wall of each compartment; 3; bearing ring supported on theroad base material and receiving the ends of said boltsin bearingengagement.-

and a metal bearing sheath engaging, and. surrounding abscess said frameand said bearing ring to permit sliding movement of the frame therein.

5. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding a pair of concentric walls with the top edge of the inner saidwall being joined to the outer wall at a point below the top of saidouter'wall by spaced bridging walls, the bridging walls acting as a seatfor a manhole cover, said frame also including a plurality ofcompartments with tapped bottom walls between the inner and outer wallsand located intermediate said bridging walls, a threaded bolt having oneend extending through the tapped bottom wall of each compartment, and abearing ring supported on the road base material and receiving the endsof said belts in bearing engagement.

6. An adjustable manhole unit supported on thebase material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding a pair of concentric walls with the top edge of the inner'saidwall being joined to the outer wall at a point below the top of saidouter Wall by spaced bridging walls, said frame also including acompartment with tapped bottom walls between the inner and outer wallsand intermediate said bridging walls, a threaded bolt having one endextending through the tapped bottom wall of each compartment, a bearingring supported on the road base material and receiving the ends of saidbolts in bearing engagement, and a metal bearing sheath engaging andsurrounding said frame and said bearing ring to permit sliding movementof theframe therein.

7. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding a pair of concentric Walls with the inner said wall beingjoined to the outer wall along their top edges by spaced bridging walls,said inner wall being provided with an inwardly directed ledge tosupport a manhole cover, said frame also including a compartment with atapped bottom wall between the inner and outer walls and intermediatesaid bridging walls, a threaded bolt having one end extending throughthe tapped bottom wall of each compart-' ment, a bearing ring supportedon the road base material and receiving the ends of said bolts inbearing engagement, and a cover for each compartment mounted on theframe.

8. An adjustable manholeunit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding a pair of concentric walls with the inner said wall beingjoined to the outer wall along their top edges by spaced bridg- 6 and abearing ring supported on the road base material and receiving the endsof said bolts in bearing engagement. 1

10. An adjustable manhole unitsupported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding a mam wall and an inwardly directed bottom wall joined to themain wall along its bottom edge, said main wall including an inwardlydirected ledge adjacent its upper edge to provide a seat for a manholecover,- said bottom wall 7 being provided with a plurality of upstandingcompartments with the bottom wall portion of each compartmentbeingtapped, a threaded bolt having one end extending through the tappedbottom wall of each compartment, a bearing ring supported on the roadbase material and receiving the ends of said bolts in hearingengagement,and a metal bearing sheath engaging and surrounding said frame and saidbearing ring to permit sliding movement of the frame therein.

11. An adjustable manhole unit-supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical frameincluding a pair of concentric walls with the top edge of the innersaid. wall being joined to the outer wall at a point below the top ofsaid outer wall by spaced bridging walls, said frame 12. An adjustablemanhole unit supported on the base i material of a road about theupperend of amanhole ing walls, said inner wall being provided with aninwardlylf directed ledge to support a manhole cover, said frame alsoincluding a'cornpartment with a tapped bottom wall between the inner andouter walls and intermediate said bridging walls, a threaded bolthaving'one end extending through the tapped bottom wall of eachcompartment, a bearing ring supported on the road base material andreceiving the ends of said bolts in bearing engagement, 3 metal bearingsheath engaging and surrounding said frame and said bearing ring topermit sliding movement of the frame therein, and a cover for eachcompartment mounted on the frame.

9. An adjustable manhole unit supported on the base material of a roadabout the upper end of a manhole comprising a cylindrical metal frameincluding 'a main wall and an inwardly directed bottom wall joined tothe main wall along its bottom edge, said main wall including aninwardly directed ledge adjacent its upper edge to provide a seat for amanhole cover, said bottom wall being provided with a plurality ofupstandingcompartments with the bottom wall portion of each compartmentbeing tapped, a threaded bolt having one end extending through thetapped bottom wall of each compartment,

comprising a cylindrical frame including a pair of conj centric wallswith the top edge of the inner said wall be ing joined to the outer wallat a point below the top of said outer wall by spaced bridging walls,said frame also including a compartment with a tapped bottom wallbetween the inner and outer walls and intermediate said bridging walls,a threaded bolt having one end extending through the tapped bottom wallof each compartment, each said bolt being peripherally grooved adjacentthe extending ends to receive a split washer therein, a '0 ing andsurrounding said frame and said bearing ring to permit sliding movementof the frame therein.

References Cited in thefile of this patent i UNITED STATES PATENTS429,251. Stafford June 3, 1890 512,440 Haustein Jan. 9, 1894 606,206'Greger June 28, 1898 1,076,386 ODay Oct. 21, 1913 1,751,194 Elsy Mar.18, 1930 2,254,668 Tomek Sept. 2, 1941 2,812,654 Hoseason Nov. 12, 19572,824,578 Blinn et al. Feb. 25, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS i20,814 GreatBritain 1893 19,468 Great Britain 1913 141,824 Switzerland t. Oct, 16,1930 132,217 Sweden July 3, 1,951

